WIX Archives
Collings Foundation aircraft will visit Long Beach, CA
Posted by bdk on Mon Apr 22, 2002 12:12:25 PM
In reply top null posted by null on null
A World War II B-17 bomber, one of the last still flying, will return to Long Beach, the place where the four-engine Flying Fortress was built, on Wednesday through Friday, May 8-10. The vintage aircraft, along with a B-24 Liberator, will touch down at approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday and taxi into a viewing position adjacent to the AASI facility by the Long Beach Airport. The Collings Foundation, which is sponsoring the tour as a salute to WWII veterans, will then welcome visitors to view the aircraft for free or climb aboard for a donation of $7 for adults and $4 for children. Thirty-minute flights on the B-17 or B-24 will also be possible for a $350 tax-deductible donation. The foundation uses the proceeds to underwrite aircraft maintenance and operation costs. Those who wish to fly should call (978) 562-9182 two weeks in advance to book a seat. Each aircraft carries six to eight passengers, with opportunities to move around, shoot pictures and observe cockpit activity. Most flights occur in the morning before 9 or late in the afternoon. The Boeing B-17 is one of some 3,000 built in Long Beach by Douglas Aircraft during WWII. This particular aircraft came off the assembly line in 1945. In one of the ironies of war, more B-17s were built in Long Beach than Seattle where the aircraft was designed. The accompanying B-24 is the last flyable Liberator left from the nearly 20,000 built by Consolidated Vultee, Ford Motor Company, North American and Douglas during WWII.